Roof Window Lifting Device with Adjustable Sledge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof window lifting devices struggle to provide sufficient design flexibility and balance force effectively across varying roof inclinations, making them difficult to operate and potentially hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A roof window design featuring a sledge connected to a primary frame via a sledge guide, with a linkage system and adjustment system comprising an adjustment screw and bushing, allowing for adjustable balance between the weight of the pane-carrying sash and the spring force, accommodating roof inclinations from 15 to 65°.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a lifting device with spring assembly is used to balance the weight of the sash, then the operational ease is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational easeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device merges the spring assembly, sledge, and linkage system into a single integrated mechanism. The sledge combines the spring mounting, lifting arm connection, and adjustment system into one component that performs multiple functions simultaneously, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the force balancing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sledge serves multiple functions: it houses the spring assembly, provides the lifting mechanism through the linkage system, and includes the adjustment system for adapting to different roof inclinations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If the lifting device is designed with fixed parameters, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different roof inclinations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign precisionVSAvoidadaptability to roof inclinations
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment system enables dynamic adaptation of the lifting device to different roof inclinations. The adjustable parameter (likely the spring pre-load or linkage geometry) allows the device to be reconfigured for various installation angles while maintaining precise force balancing, combining manufacturing precision with field adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable parameters that can be modified to suit different roof inclinations. By changing geometric parameters or force parameters in the linkage system or spring assembly, the same device can be precisely adapted to various installation conditions without requiring custom manufacturing for each inclination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If a complex linkage system is used to achieve precise movement control, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement control precisionVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage system is segmented into discrete, standardized components that can be manufactured independently using conventional processes. This segmentation allows each component to be produced with standard tolerances and then assembled to achieve the required precise movement control, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances design flexibility and operational ease by allowing the roof window to be adjusted for different roof inclinations, ensuring balanced operation and safety across a range of installations.

Implementation Method 1

a spring assembly configured to be coupled to the sledge... the weight of the pane-carrying sash is at least partially carried by the lifting arm... The stretched spring provides a spring force towards the equilibrium position of the spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the adjustment system comprises an adjustment screw and an adjustment bushing... the adjustment system is adapted to move the first end of the lifting arm upon activation of the adjustment system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical adjustment: Screw

Implementation Method 3

the sledge is slidably connected to the primary frame in a sledge guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

the linkage system comprises a lifting arm with a first end rotatably connected to the adjustment system... The weight of the pane-carrying sash is at least partially carried by the lifting arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP4567239A1A roof window with a lifting device
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP4567239A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4567239A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4567239A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A roof window (100), particularly for installation in or on a roof surface having an inclination, comprising a primary frame (1), at least one secondary frame (2, 3), such as a sash and/or an intermediate frame, and a lifting device (10) comprising an adjustment system (50) comprised in a sledge (30), the sledge (30) being slidably connected with the primary frame (1) in a sledge guide (16), the lifting device (10) further comprising a spring assembly (20) configured to be coupled to the sledge (30), and a linkage system (19) being, rotatably connected to the sledge (30) through the adjustment system (50), and connected to the secondary frame (2, 3), wherein the linkage system (19) comprises a lifting arm (14) with a first end (14a) rotatably connected to the adjustment system (50).